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Classification

Classification is multi-facetted and involves detailed inspection (a survey) of many aspects of a vessel to ensure safety and reliability. This in turns provides assurances to owners, operators, insurance providers and regulatory bodies that the vessel has been determined to provide adequate seaworthiness and complies with the relevant regulations.

Classification is broadly divided into two parts: The Classification Society's rules and the Surveyor, who is the professional employed or contracted by the Classification Society to apply their knowledge and experience of the society's rules to competently and fairly conduct an inspection of the vessel and record its findings and recommendation in a report (the survey) to the Classification Society for evaluation.

A survey will typically include a detailed survey of the following components and systems:

• Evaluation of structural integrity

• Inspection of all safety systems

• Ensure environmental compliance with maritime regulations

• Inspection of machinery and equipment, such as generators, drive engines, pumps, batteries, etc.

• Evaluation of navigational equipment, if applicable

Initial and Periodic Classification Of the Unit

Classification is a conformance process that verifies that specific standards are met before a vessel can be put into service. It is the first step in a multi-step process to meet the requirements for the purposes of obtaining insurance for the vessel and ultimately flagging the vessel through a flagging registry.

Classification of a vessel is performed by a Classification Society. Classification Societies are generally private non-governmental organizations that have created and maintain a compendium of technical standards that apply to the construction and life-cycle of a vessel for both its structural components and associated equipment. The process of classification includes the following:

Design Stage

A Classification Society will review the vessel’s design package to ensure that it complies with the Classification Society’s rules for a given type of vessel, including assessing structural integrity, stability in the sea states for which the vessel is intended to operate, and the safety features incorporated into the design. International regulations are often incorporated into the Classification Society’s rules by reference, and the Classification Society will evaluate compliance with those regulations as part of its survey of the vessel’s design.

Construction Stage

During construction, a surveyor, who is an employee or contractor from the Classification Society will conduct inspections at the shipyard where the vessel is being built to ensure it conforms to the design plans approved by the Classification Society during the design stage of the evaluation. This includes inspecting materials to ensure they meet minimum quality standards called for in the approved design, and that all manufacturing processes meet the required standards.

Final Inspection and Certification Stage

When construction of the vessel is complete, a final survey is conducted by the Classification Society’s surveyor. If the vessel meets all critical requirements, the classification society issues a classification certificate. In this classification certificate is information pertaining to the vessels class assignment which may include one or more classes.

A certificate issued by a recognized Classification Society is critical to obtaining registration for the vessel, securing insurance to protect the investment and to provide proof that the vessel meets the requirements for a vessel of its class to be safely and reliably operated.

Periodic Re-Evaluation

Retaining a vessel’s class assignment requires a periodic survey over the life of the vessel to ensure it continues to meet the required standards set forth by the Classification Society’s rules. Periodic surveys are typically required on a recurring five-year cycle. These include periodic surveys such as the annual, intermediate and special surveys depending on the age of the vessel and other factors, such as whether the vessel has been modified since its initial class assignment.

In addition, Classification Societies update their rules periodically to adopt advancements in technology and to conform with new maritime regulations.

Insurance

Insuring the Unit

Flagging

Flagging the Unit Under a Flag of Convenience

Socio-Economic, Political, and Legal
Legal · Defense · Money

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